Police bust large-scale dagga operation in Sasolburg

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A large-scale dagga operation has been uncovered during a joint operation by the police on Sunday in Vaalpark, Sasolburg.

This comes after the law enforcement officers were following up on information regarding Pakistani foreign nationals dealing in illicit cigarettes.

It is reported that a house was discovered where dagga was being cultivated and processed into cigarettes then vacuum-packed for distribution.

Free State police spokesperson Brigadier Motantsi Makhele, said during the operation, two suspects were arrested, and a large quantity of dagga, packaging equipment, and growing lights were confiscated.

He confirmed that the estimated value of the confiscated dagga and equipment is approximately R3 million.

“The SAPS is committed to disrupting and dismantling the illicit drug trade in our communities. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those involved in the production and distribution of illicit substances are brought to justice,“ said provincial commissioner, Lt Gen Baile Motswenyane.

The suspects are expected to appear in the Sasolburg magistrates’ court soon.

Meanwhile, police in Mpumalanga are seeking the assistance of the public in locating the suspect involved in the robbery that occurred at Malelane in the early hours of Sunday morning.

According to the police, a parolee, by the name of Donald Sipho Khoza, may be of great assistance in the said robbery case whereby a service firearm with ammunition was stolen.

Parolee on the run after police were robbed

Khoza was convicted for rape and murder, said police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli adding that he was recently released on parole and is known to frequent the Malelane area.

“It is believed that he may be in areas such as Mhlatikop, Malelane Golf Club, Impala area, along the N4 Road in Nkomazi, or in neighbouring places such as Matsulu, Kanyamazane, Komatipoort, Orlando, Naas, Tonga, Kamhlushwa, or Matsamo,” he stated.

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Mdhluli warned that the suspect in the robbery case is believed to be armed and posing a danger to the public, however, vowed that the authorities will not to rest until a suspect who attacked members of the SAPS is arrested.

Mpumalanga acting police commissioner, (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has urged the community to be vigilant and to immediately alert authorities if they see Khoza or the suspect involved in the robbery case.

“We cannot fold our arms and allow people to undermine the authority of the state or attack our members. We are doing everything in our power to ensure that this suspect is swiftly brought to book,” said General Mkhwanazi.